Mary Jernagin

Mary Jernagin was born on January 24, 1932 in Greenwood, Mississippi to Rosie Lee Marshall and Grady Singleton. Mary was the second oldest of nine children. While in Greenwood, MS, Mary united in marriage with Rothel Jernagin Sr. on July 21, 1947, their union was blessed with seven children. In 1956, Mary took the journey north to Chicago, Illinois to make a better life for her and her children. While in Chicago she received her GED at Loretto's adult education school. By 1957, she began a relationship with George Miles Sr. and they had four children together. Mary was a great cook. She worked as a short order cook at the Hayes Hotel on 63rd and University and at other restaurants in the late 1950's and early 60's. After that, she worked for many years as a cook for the Chicago Board of Education at several schools, and during the summers she worked as a cook for a camp in Michigan. Mary retired in the mid 1990's from the Board. She continued working as a cook for CARC, an organization that helps those with special needs, until the year 2000 when she retired completely. Mary was a hard worker, a trait she passed on to many of her children and grandchildren. She had a big heart and was always willing to help others even if it meant giving her last. Her family meant everything to her; she truly enjoyed family gatherings, holiday visits, every day phone calls to check on her and especially calls on her birthday. She enjoyed her sports, mainly the Chicgo Bulls and the Bears, and would love it when family would sit in her room and watch a game with her. Mary was a God fearing woman; she was a member of Freedom Temple COGIC. She was present at Freedom Temple until she became ill and could no longer attend services. Mary lived a long life and will be greatly missed by all. On December 29, 2012, Mary closed her eyes in death. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; 2 brothers, Bossie Marshall and Claude Moore Jr.; 1 sister, Bobby Holmes; 2 children, Carlean "Tochie" Head and Edward James Jernagin; and 4 grandchildren, Angela Cheree Jernagin, Sylvester Romell Jernagin, Kenneth Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Romell Jernagin. Mary leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Mae Frances McGee, Gloria Jean Jernagin, Audrie Hutchins (Sylvester), Rothel Jernagin Jr., Vera Jernagin, Oddies Jernagin, George Miles Jr., Stephanie Jernagin and Duyane Jernagin; sisters, Audrey McGee (Nathaniel), Bessie Harris (Robert), Claudie Clayton, Luvenia Hart (Willie) and Ella Louise Paige; 1 sister-in-law, Mamie Marshall; 28 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mary Jernagin

January 24, 1932 - December 29, 2012